Does your child complain of pain during urination? Do they refuse to urinate frequently due to the pain or discomfort that accompanies it? It can be very difficult to see your child suffer this way. Any parent would want to know the cause behind this pain and how to prevent this in the future. Read on to know more about 10 common causes for such painful urination in kids and how you can treat them.
Pain during urination can happen to kids from time to time. Some of the most common causes for such pain are:
1. UTI – Urinary Tract Infection – This is the most common cause of pain during urination. A UTI can occur due to some bacteria, viruses, or even some foreign object. These bacteria and viruses can enter the urinary tract directly or even seep in from the digestive tract. Any infection can cause inflammation of some or all parts of the genital area, thus causing pain when urinating. UTIs can affect both boys and girls alike.
2. Kidney Stones – When the mineral content in a child’s urine is too high, the kidneys may not struggle to process it. These mineral residues can stick together and form a solid material known as kidney stones. These stones can come in the way of urination and cause blocks that can cause intense pain during urination.
3. Genital Injury/Irritation – Children, by nature, can be rough and careless while playing. An injury – big or small, can lead to pain during urination.
4. Genital Irritation – Children are famous for touching things they shouldn’t and putting the same hands all over their bodies. When a child transports some dust or foreign particles to their genital areas by way of scratching, touching, or even wiping themselves after using the toilet, it can lead to irritation.
For example, a child can play with kid-friendly slime or clay and put the stained hands on their genital area. The chemical and artificial colours in these items can cause irritation.
5. Congenital Urinary Tract Abnormalities – These refer to developmental defects that can affect the urinary tract or the kidneys. Different types of such abnormalities can affect both male and female babies.
6. Diaper Rash – Wearing a very absorbent diaper can keep the child dry for longer. However, this also means the germs and moisture are in constant contact with the skin, thus increasing the risk of infection and irritation.
7. Wiping Wrong – One should always wipe from front to back to clean the genital areas. Wiping from back to front can bring germs from the anus to the genital area, thus spreading infection. Whether the child is using a diaper or not, cleaning the wrong way with a wet or a dry tissue can spread infection and cause painful urination in kids.
8. Foreskin Infection in Boys – In case of an infection under the foreskin on your male child’s penis, the foreskin can become tender and red. In severe cases, pus can also ooze out. Passing urine can be very painful with such infections.
9. Labial Fusion in Girls – Labia fusion is a condition where the inner lips of the vulva stick together. Low estrogen levels can cause this issue in girls between the ages of 3 months and 6 years.
10. Medications – Some medications can cause irritation or other urinary symptoms. If your child is on other medications for other health issues, check with your doctor if those medicines could be the cause of pain.
It can be very tempting to just try home remedies and ask the child to bear the pain a little longer. Pain during urination can quickly become a serious issue if the pain is due to an infection. It is always advisable to consult a doctor first and follow professional advice. Painful urination in children can be treated in the following ways:
● Medications – If the pain is due to some UTI, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
● Hydration – Drinking more water and other fluids can help flush out the toxins and also increase the urination frequency. Avoid drinks with fizz and caffeine in them.
● Hygiene – If your child is old enough, teach them to wash their genital area and wipe it the right way. For very young children, ensure you wash their genital area gently and thoroughly every time they use the toilet.
● Avoid Irritants – Avoid bubble baths and lotions that are not prescribed by the doctor for the genital area. Some component in your child’s body lotion can also irritate their skin.
● Urinate Regularly – If your child refuses to pee due to pain and discomfort, ensure you make them pee regularly. You can set an alarm for every 1 or 2 hours and ask your child to go every time. Frequent urination can help eliminate the infection.
● Treat Discomfort – If your child is experiencing any lower belly or back pain, you can use a warm compress to ease the pain. In case of a burning sensation or itching in the genital area, ask your doctor for some lotion or cream to help ease the discomfort.
Both male and female children will experience similar symptoms of UTI. Children with female genitalia are at a bigger risk of developing infections in the urinary tract as the urethra is shorter in females than in males.
If your child is suffering from painful urination, they may also experience the following:
● Burning sensation when urinating
● Urge to urinate frequently
● Discoloured or smelly urine
● Fever
● More irritable than often
● Vomiting or nausea
● Decrease in appetite
● Abdominal or lower back pain
● Potty-trained kids have wetting accidents
● Importance of Frequent Urination for Kids
Pain during urination in children is quite common. Ignoring such symptoms can not only increase the pain and discomfort but can be dangerous, too. Consulting a doctor right away can help in timely diagnosis and treatment before the pain can get severe. In case of infections, keep talking to your child to ensure they don’t develop a fear of urination.
The most common causes of painful urination in kids are UTIs, genital injury or irritation, kidney stones, or diaper rash. Medications, sufficient hydration, and urinating more frequently can help ease the pain during urination.
If your child experiences pain or a burning sensation when urinating, urinates more frequently than before, passes cloudy or bloody urine, starts feeling unwell, or experiences pain in the lower back or abdomen, it could be a sign of a bladder infection.
It is always advisable to first check with a doctor and treat UTIs with the appropriate medications if necessary. At home, you can encourage your child to drink more water, urinate more frequently, and teach them to wash correctly.
